Options Process

During Year 8, Bassingbourn students make their decisions about which GCSE and vocational courses they want to study further. We feel that with the increased content of the reformed GCSEs that it is important to give our students the most amount of time to study these courses and have the best chance at achieving their potential so our students start their GCSE and vocational courses in Year 9.

The students will complete work in PSHE to learn about the different types of courses available and follow a programme of events designed to give them as much information about their opportunities as possible. A Yr 8 Options booklet gives further information.

A Planning for the Future evening will be held to allow students and parents to find out more information about the courses on offer and the process going forward.

If you have any queries please contact Rebecca Hields, Assistant Principal (Transition & Curriculum), on 01763 242344 or rhields@bassingbournvc.net.

An example of the timeline the students will follow in 2017-18 is:

Date

What will be happening?

Wednesday 14th March

Planning for the future Evening

The application form will be issued on this evening.

It is also an opportunity to ask questions to subject staff

Friday 16th March – Thursday 29th March

During lessons your teachers and the heads of departments will be talking to you about the subjects and what to expect from your courses. You will have completed a career plan in your PSHE lesson.

Friday 16th March – Thursday 29th March

During tutor time you will talk to the Year 10 and 11’s about the different subjects.

Throughout April

Planning for the future discussions

You will attend an interview to discuss your choices and the future.

Please bring the application form with you.

Friday 4th May

Deadline for the Planning for the future application forms. All forms should be handed in to Reception by today at 3.20pm

May onwards

Selected students will be called in for further discussions if an inappropriate combination has been chosen, a course does not run or if courses are oversubscribed.

June onwards

Students made aware of provisional allocations. Allocations are subject to appropriate staffing being available.